Prostatitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

The prostate gland is a male sex gland. Fluid made by the prostate mixes with sperm (from the testicles) to make semen. Prostatitis (pros-tah-TEYE-tis) is an infection or inflammation of the prostate gland. Men of any age can have prostatitis, and they may get it more than once. Prostatitis may be caused by certain diseases, infections, procedures, or a large prostate gland. Prostatitis is not contagious (not able to be spread) to a sexual partner. Symptoms of prostatitis may include pain, problems urinating, blood in your urine, and fever. Medicine and certain therapies can be used to treat prostatitis. The prostate gland is the size and shape of a walnut. It is found in front of the rectum (area of the intestines that holds your bowel movements). The prostate wraps around the urethra and the neck of the bladder.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Alpha blockers: This medicine relaxes the muscles in your prostate and bladder (organ that holds your urine). It may help you to urinate more easily.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

How should I take care of myself at home?

• Drink 8 to 10 (eight ounce) cups of liquid each day. Follow your caregiver's advice if you are on a fluid limit. Good liquids for most people to drink are water, juices, and milk. Cranberry juice may also help prevent another prostate infection. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink. Caffeine may be found in coffee, tea, and soda.
  
  
• Urinate often.
  
  
• Do not drink alcohol, such as beer, wine, or whiskey, until you have finished treatment for prostatitis.
  
  
• Do not eat spicy foods, such as chili peppers, until you have finished treatment for prostatitis.
  
  
• You may have sex if you feel well. Being sexually active may lower your chances of having prostatitis again.
  
  
• Prostate massage may be used to treat long-term prostatitis. Massaging (rubbing) the prostate may decrease fullness, and prevent infection. Caregivers may teach you how to do a prostate massage.
  
  
• Warm water baths may decrease prostate fullness and discomfort.
  
  
• Men over 40 years old should go to a caregiver for a prostate exam once every year.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You see blood in your urine.
  
  
• You cannot urinate.
  
  
• You have any problems that you think may be caused by the medicine you are taking. Examples of this may be skin redness, swelling, trouble breathing, or an upset stomach.
  
  
• Prostatitis symptoms are getting worse, or they return after you have been treated.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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